This is a Roman provincial coin from Antioch in Syria. It was struck in AD65-66 during the reign of the Emperor Nero, whose image is on the obverse. The reverse features a wreath with the letters “SC” for the province of Syria Coele. It is 20mm in diameter and weighs 6.80g.
Antioch is mentioned in the book of Acts and the Church there was known for its commitment to evangelism and missions. The city was located on the trade route between the East and the West so it was strategic in the spread of the Gospel. The term “Christian” was first used in Antioch to describe believers in Jesus Christ (Acts 11v26). Before that the early Church was known as "The way" because Jesus said " I am the way, the truth and the life no man cometh onto the Father but by me" (John 14v6)
The Emperor Nero was one of the most wicked men who ever lived and during his reign Christians faced terrible persecution if they did not renounce their faith. This started in AD64 when much of Rome was destroyed by fire. Nero targeted the growing Christian Church as a convenient scapegoat. He would burn Christians alive as human torches to light his garden and have them face wild animals in the arena of the Colosseum. The Apostles Paul and Peter were both martyred during Nero's reign.
Instead of destroying Christianity, Nero's persecution helped its growth. The stories of how the martyrs had given their lives for Christ spread, inspiring new converts and strengthening the resolve of believers throughout the Empire. Today Christians are the most persecuted people in the world especially in the Middle East, although you rarely hear about it on the mainstream media as it is usually anti Christian. Outside of the affluent west, the Church is growing at an incredible rate with millions coming to a saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is the good news that spread out from Antioch and is still spreading today - "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16v31). "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3v16).